Bloodless intravenous integrated catheter

ABSTRACT

An intravenous catheter system having a retractable needle system and a body system is disclosed. The retractable needle system includes a housing, a needle, a docking feature, and an optional anti-shearing mechanism. The body system includes a body, at least one hub, a catheter connector, at least one plug, a plug recoil mechanism, a locking mechanism, a flash chamber, and a flash window.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to the field of medicaldevices. More specifically, the present invention relates to the fieldof intravenous medical devices.

2. Description of Related Art

Intravenous catheter systems (IVs) are a staple technology in the fieldof administering medical care. While typical needles and syringes arecapable of administering or drawing fluids to and from a patient's bloodvessels, an IV allows for multiple administrations or drawings on thepatient through the use of a single puncture to a chosen blood vessel.IVs also allow continuous administration or drawing of fluids, allowingconvenient lengthy fluid administrations or drawings.

Blood spillage is currently a major problem when administering IVs.Spilled blood often contacts the patient, the patient's clothing andbedding, the medical caregiver, other medical devices nearby, and thefloor. Blood spillage can pose significant health risks to the patient,medical caregivers, and janitorial service providers who ultimatelydispose of the spilled blood. The risks associated with blood spillagestem from the communicable nature of many diseases and conditions whichmay use the spilled blood as a vehicle for transmission. Medicalcaregivers and janitorial service providers must take specialprecautions to protect themselves against the ill effects ofcommunicable diseases in spilled blood by wearing protective gloves,eyewear, and other items of blood repellant clothing. This adds time,cost, and risk to what should be a simple procedure.

A typical IV comprises two separate portions, a retractable needlesystem and a catheter system. The retractable needle system commonlycomprises a needle having a beveled tip, a housing into which the needlemay be fully retracted, and a mechanism for manually or automaticallyretracting the needle into the housing. A common retractable needlesystem incorporates a spring-biased mechanism to accomplish needleretraction with the push of a button. Retractable needle systems aretypically single-use devices that come packaged with a needle protrudingfrom the housing. A protective cap is usually used to cover theprotruding needle to both prevent the needle from becoming contaminatedand also to minimize the safety risks associated with having an exposedneedle.

The catheter system commonly comprises a hub portion having an attachedcatheter. The hub portion includes a means for connecting the cathetersystem to the retractable needle system. The hub portion is typicallyadapted to allow the insertion of the needle through the catheter and toform a seal with the housing of the retractable needle system. The hubalso serves as a mechanism to connect the catheter with a luer-lockdevice.

The following steps are typically taken by a medical caregiver whenplacing an IV catheter. First, a tourniquet is placed on the selectedlimb. Then, the medical caregiver sterilizes the needle entry area onthe patient with an antibacterial preparation. The needle entry area isusually the skin covering a chosen blood vessel near the surface of theskin. Next, the medical caregiver removes the protective cap from theneedle, exposing the needle and the beveled tip which is protruding fromthe catheter. Then, the medical caregiver grasps an area slightly distalto the needle entry area and uses her thumb to both keep the skin tautand to anchor the chosen blood vessel.

Next, holding the needle at approximately a 45° angle with respect tothe relatively flat needle entry area, and holding the beveled tip ofthe needle up away from the patient's skin, the medical caregiverpierces the patient's skin and tissue over the chosen blood vessel. Itis important that the needle be inserted with the beveled side up inorder to reduce entry resistance and trauma caused by the puncture.Then, the shaft of the needle is lowered toward the patient's skin untilit is almost parallel with the skin surface. Next, the needle isadvanced approximately one eighth of an inch into the blood vessel.Then, while holding the retractable needle system steady, the medicalcaregiver pushes the catheter into the blood vessel by manually slidingthe hub portion and catheter away from the retractable needle systemalong the length of the needle.

Next, the medical caregiver slowly separates the needle retractionsystem from the catheter system by pulling back on the needle retractionsystem. This causes the needle to be removed from the catheter and thepatient. As the seal between the hub portion and the housing is broken,it is necessary that the medical caregiver apply sufficient pressureslightly over the blood vessel and the catheter. This application ofpressure is a means of preventing blood from passing through thecatheter and spilling out of the open end of the hub portion. Once theneedle is fully removed from the patient, the medical caregiver retractsthe needle into the housing by activating the needle retractionmechanism and disposes of retractable needle system. Next, whilecontinuing to apply pressure to the inserted catheter and the bloodvessel, any previously applied tourniquet is released. Once the catheteris properly inserted into the blood vessel, additional accessories,including accessories to prevent the spillage of blood, are connected tothe hub portion. These accessories allow fluids to be administered ordrawn through the IV through various types of needles and devices,including needles, blunts, needleless syringes, IV bags, and automatedmedical pumping systems.

Blood spillage most often occurs while the retractable needle system isbeing separated from the catheter system and removed from the patient.This is because the medical caregiver must perform several taskssimultaneously while maintaining sufficient pressure on the catheter andblood vessel. Usually, these tasks must be performed with only one hand,and often while the patient is squirming or moving due to the pain ofthe catheter placement. This IV insertion process is difficult toperform, even with a well-behaved patient. The difficulty is increasedwhen the patient will not or cannot be still. For example, placing an IVto a child can be extremely difficult. Children often do not understandthe importance of remaining stationary during the procedure. Similarly,emergency or trauma patients may be unable to remain stationary duringthe placement of an IV. Complications resulting from the patient movingduring the administration of the IV can range from mere annoyances tomajor health risks for both the patient and the medical caregiver.

Another shortcoming of current IVs presents itself during the separationof the retractable needle system from the catheter system. During thatstep, there exists a risk that the medical care giver may apply too muchpressure causing undue pain to the patient or damaging the catheter orthe blood vessel.

Fragmenting of the catheter may also occur when, during the removal ofthe needle from the catheter, the needle changes direction and isfurther advanced into the catheter. This reversal of direction of theneedle can cause the sharp tip of the needle to tear off a fragment ofthe catheter. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as “cathetershearing.” Catheter shearing is a significant risk, because current IVsallow reentry of the needle into the catheter. If the needle puncturesthe catheter, a small portion of the catheter may become separated as afragment from the catheter. If this small fragment enters the bloodstream it can pose significant health risks, such as forming bloodclots.

Some IVs incorporate a flash chamber. The flash chamber is a receptacleinto which blood initially flows upon introducing the needle into ablood vessel. The purpose of the flash chamber is to notify the medicalcaregiver that the needle has punctured a blood vessel. While currentflash chambers are helpful as an indicator, they are poorly locatedwithin the retractable needle system. The flash chamber is severalinches away from the tip of the needle and usually obstructed from viewby the caregiver's own hand. This placement requires the medicalcaregiver to visually monitor both the introduction of the needle intothe blood vessel and the state of the flash chamber. Unfortunately,while the medical caregiver's attention is diverted to the flashchamber, the likelihood that the caregiver will move the needle in anundesirable manner, thereby causing unnecessary pain or injury to thepatient, is increased. Likewise, while medical caregivers divert theirattention to the introduction of the needle into the blood vessel, themedical caregivers are less likely to see that the flash chamber hasfilled with blood. If the medical caregiver is not notified of this, themedical caregiver may unnecessarily retract the needle from a successfulinsertion into the blood vessel causing unnecessary pain and injury.

A further shortcoming of current IVs is that the retractable needlesystems allow undesirable movement of the device with respect to theneedle entry area. Even small movements of the retractable needle systemand the attached catheter can cause the patient pain.

Another problem with current IVs is that the catheter is not adequatelyflexible. This problem is particularly prevalent when the catheter isinserted into an articulating portion of patient's body, such as theante-cubital space of the forearm. When the patient articulates theassociated joint, the catheter presses against the walls of the bloodvessel, causing the patient to experience pain. Also, bending ofconventional catheters can cause the catheter to crease, kink, andsplit, resulting in diminished fluid flow and sharp edges on catheter.

Additionally, many current IVs present problems with dead-space.Dead-space is the volume within an IV that must be filled with fluidbefore the fluid can flow into the patient's blood vessel. Cathetersystems hubs and catheters having large amounts of dead-space presentseveral major problems: (1) when administering very small amounts ofmedication to the patient through an IV, the volume of dead-space mayretain a significant portion of the medication, causing a delay in thepatient receiving the medication; (2) blood tends to pool and coagulatein the dead-space, resulting in blood clots that can hinder orcompletely obstruct fluid flow; and (3) injection of medication is moretime-consuming.

Another major shortcoming of conventional IVs is that they do not allowthe use of conventional needles, blunt devices, Luer lock devices, andother needleless devices all on the same IV system.

Thus, while there are many types of IV systems currently in use,considerable shortcomings remain.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is a need for an intravenous catheter system and method that issafe, prevents blood spillage, and is easy to use. Additionally, thereis need for an intravenous catheter system that prevents cathetershearing and that is adapted for integration with multiple current IVadministrative devices on the market today. More specifically, there isa need for a single intravenous catheter system that integrates the useof needles, blunts, luer-lock devices and other needleless systems.Finally, there is a need for an intravenous catheter system that can beadapted to prevent the use of needles and blunts.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide anintravenous catheter system and method that is safe and easy to use,that prevents the spillage of blood during administration, thatintegrates use with multiple current IV administrative devices that arecurrently on the market, and that may be adapted to prevent the use ofneedles and blunts.

This object is achieved by providing an intravenous catheter system (IV)having a retractable needle system and a body system. The retractableneedle system includes a housing, a needle, a docking feature, and anoptional anti-shearing mechanism. The body system includes a body, atleast one hub, a catheter connector, at least one plug, a plug recoilmechanism, a locking mechanism, a flash chamber, and a flash window.

This object is achieved by providing an intravenous catheter system (IV)having a retractable needle system and a body system. The retractableneedle system includes a housing, a needle, a docking feature, anoptional anti-shearing mechanism, and an optional flash chamber withflash window. The body system includes a body, at least one hub, acatheter connector, a catheter, at least one plug. Optional items to thebody system include: a flash chamber with flash window, a recoilmechanism, a plug locking mechanism, a dead-space plug, additionalplug(s) and hub(s), and a valve system with fluid channels.

The present invention provides significant advantages, including but notlimited to: (1) being a closed system that drastically reduces oreliminates blood spillage associated with the administration of anintravenous catheter system, thereby reducing risk associated withspilled blood; (2) allowing repeated use with many current IVadministrative devices; (3) reducing the number of steps required forthe medical professional to place an IV catheter system; (4) reducingthe risk of puncturing a catheter wall with a needle, thereby reducingthe risk associated with catheter shear; (5) increasing the visibilityof the flash chamber, thereby reducing the risks associated with lowvisibility flash chambers; (6) reducing body system movement, therebyreducing risk of catheter removal and the infliction of pain on thepatient; (7) increasing catheter flexibility, thereby reducing theinfliction of pain on the patient; (8) decreasing dead space within theIV, thereby reducing the occurrence of incorrect dosages and bloodclotting within the IV and increasing the speed of medicineadministration; (9) preventing IV movement and potential iatrogeniccomplications; and (10) preventing plug deformation and leakage due tolong term placement of needle through plug.

Further objects and advantages of this invention will become apparentfrom a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, includingits features and advantages, reference is now made to the detaileddescription of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings in which like numerals identify like parts, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic of the preferred embodiment of an IVsystem according to the present invention;

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are simplified schematics of the retractable needleportion of the IV system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2D is a simplified schematic of an alternate configuration of theretractable needle portion of FIG. 2A;

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are simplified schematics of an alternateembodiment of the retractable needle portion of the IV system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3D is a simplified schematic of an alternate configuration of theretractable needle portion of FIG. 3A;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are simplified schematics of a second alternateembodiment of the retractable needle portion of the IV system of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4C and 4D are simplified schematics of alternate configurations ofthe retractable needle portion of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a simplified schematic of a third alternate embodiment of theretractable needle portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5B is a simplified schematic of an alternate configuration of theretractable needle portion of FIG. 5A;

FIGS. 6A-6C are simplified schematics of the docking feature of FIG. 1coupled with various housings;

FIGS. 6D-6F are simplified schematics of an alternate embodiment of thedocking feature of FIG. 1 coupled with various housings;

FIGS. 6G-6I are simplified schematics of a second alternate embodimentof the docking feature of FIG. 1 coupled with various housings;

FIGS. 6J-6L are simplified schematics of a third alternate embodiment ofthe docking feature of FIG. 1 coupled with various housings;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are simplified schematics of the optional anti-shearingmechanism of the IV system of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are simplified schematics of alternate embodiment of theoptional anti-shearing mechanism of the IV system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9A is a simplified schematic of a second alternate embodiment ofthe optional anti-shearing mechanism of the IV system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9B is a simplified schematic of an alternate configuration of theoptional anti-shearing mechanism of FIG. 9A;

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10D, and 38 are simplified schematics of alternateembodiments of the body of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10C is a simplified schematic of the body of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 11A-11D are simplified schematics of alternate embodiments of thebody of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a simplified schematic of optional finger grips according toan alternate embodiment of the IV system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a simplified schematic of an alternate embodiment of the bodyof FIG. 1;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are simplified schematics of the valve of the IVsystem of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 14C-14H and 15A-15E are simplified schematics of alternativeembodiments of the valve of the IV system of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 16A and 16C-16M are simplified schematics of alternate embodimentsof the recoil mechanism of the IV system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16B is a simplified schematic of the recoil mechanism of the IVsystem of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 17A-17G are simplified schematics of alternate embodiments of theIV system of FIG. 17B, wherein FIG. 17E is cross-sectional view of FIG.17D taken at I-I, and FIG. 17G is cross-sectional view of FIG. 17F takenat II-II;

FIGS. 18A-18E are simplified schematic of optional locking mechanismaccording to an alternate embodiment of the IV system of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 19A-19C, 20A-20C, 21A-21C, and 22A-22F are simplified schematicsof alternate embodiments of the IV system of FIG. 18A;

FIGS. 23A-23F are a simplified schematics of the needle of the IV systemof FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 23D is an enlarged view of portion III in FIG.23A, FIG. 23E is an enlarged view of portion IV in FIG. 23B, and FIG.23F is an enlarged view of portion V in FIG. 23C;

FIGS. 24A and 24B are simplified schematics of alternate embodiments ofthe catheter of the IV system of FIG. 1; and

FIGS. 25-37 are simplified schematics of alternate embodiments of the IVsystem of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention represents the discovery that an intravenouscatheter system (IV) can be made “bloodless,” i.e., that blood isprevented from spilling during the administration of the IV. Morespecifically, the present invention utilizes plug-like and valve-likefeatures, singularly or in combination, to contain blood that wouldotherwise have leaked out during the placement of an IV without thefeatures of this invention.

The present invention also represents the discovery that an IV can becross-platform or integrated in nature and allow interconnection withseveral popular devices related to intravenous fluid transfer. A firstdevice that the present invention allows interconnection with is atypical syringe having a needle with a sharp and beveled tip. A seconddevice that the present invention allows interconnection with is aneedle with a non-piercing tip called a “blunt.” Thirdly, the presentinvention allows interconnection with needleless devices. Popularneedleless devices typically have a means for selectively allowing fluidtransfer. These needleless devices are usually secured to other deviceswith screw-on interfaces. One such screw-on interface is commonlyreferred to as a “Luer lock.” The present invention may be configured tointerface with one or more of these devices, either separately orsimultaneously, while preventing blood leakage. Further, these devicesmay be repeatedly connected and disconnected, as needed, for multiplefluid transfers with the IV.

Finally, it should be appreciated that some users may prefer to preventinterconnection capability with particular devices. Most notably, wherea user must comply with contemporary “needle free” policies, the presentinvention may be configured to allow interconnection with onlyneedleless devices.

As used herein, “proximal” describes a location on the invention that isnear or toward the patient's skin as the invention is in operation.Conversely, “distal” describes a location on the invention that isfarther or away from the patient's skin than a proximal location as theinvention is in operation.

Intravenous Catheter System Overview

Referring to FIG. 1 in the drawings, a simplified schematic side view ofthe preferred embodiment of an intravenous catheter system (IV) 100according to the present invention is illustrated. IV 100 preferablycomprises a retractable needle system 200 and a body system 300.Retractable needle system 200 and body system 300 are shown attached toeach other and with each having features to be discussed later in thisdetailed description. It should be appreciated that in operation, IV 100is oriented and located such that retractable needle system 200 isdistally located as compared to the more proximally located body system300.

Retractable Needle System

Retractable needle system 200 preferably comprises a housing 202, aneedle 204, a docking feature 206, and an optional anti-shearingmechanism 208 (see FIGS. 7A-9B). Retractable needle system 200 primarilyserves to carry needle 204. Preferably, needle 204 can be fullyretracted into housing 202. Fully retracting needle 204 into housing 202aids in reducing the risk of unintentionally allowing needle 204 tobreak the skin of either the patient or the medical caregiver. Housing202 may be one of a variety of designs but, regardless of design,preferably allows for the retraction of needle 204 fully within housing202.

Body System

Body system 300 preferably comprises a body 302, at least one hub 304, acatheter connector 306, a catheter 104, and at least one plug 308.Optional items to body system 300 include: a flash chamber 102, a flashwindow 314, a plug recoil mechanism 310 (shown infra), a plug lockingmechanism 312 (shown infra), a dead-space plug 390, additional hub(s)304 and plug(s) 308, a valve system 334 and fluids channels 336.

Housing: Double Barreled

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2D in the drawings, simplified schematic viewsof the preferred embodiment of retractable needle system 200 accordingto the present invention are illustrated. Housing 202 is preferably adouble barreled housing 202 a comprising an inner barrel 210 and anouter barrel 212.

FIG. 2A is a side view of retractable needle system 200 in which innerbarrel 210 is illustrated as a thick walled cylinder comprising dockingfeature 206 (discussed infra), two wall slots 214, at least one lockingtab 216, a finger tab 218, and an end cap 220. Inner barrel 210 is sizedsuch that it may be oriented and placed concentrically within theinterior space of outer barrel 212 as denoted by the interior surface ofouter barrel 212. Wall slots 214 are preferably removed portions of thecylindrical wall extending proximally from the distal end of innerbarrel 210. Wall slots 214 do not extend fully to the proximal end ofinner barrel 210. Wall slots 214 are preferably disposed 180 degreesfrom each other along the circumference of inner barrel 210. Locking tab216 is preferably a hook, clip, clasp or other fastener protruding fromthe interior surface of inner barrel 210 near the distal end of innerbarrel 210. Finger tab 218 is preferably a protrusion extending radiallyoutward from the exterior surface of inner barrel 210. Finger tab 218 islocated near the proximal end of inner barrel 210. End cap 220 ispreferably a disc, sized and shaped for partial insertion into innerbarrel 210, and also for abutment with the distal end of inner barrel210.

FIG. 2B is a side view of outer barrel 212 and FIG. 2C is an end view ofouter barrel 212. Outer barrel 212 preferably comprises needle 204, acrossbar 222, a set of side finger grips 224, and a locking flange 226.Outer barrel 212 is preferably a thin walled cylinder substantiallyshorter in length than inner barrel 210 and having a larger insidediameter than the outer diameter of inner barrel 210. Crossbar 222 ispreferably a straight bar like structure connected to the interiorsurface of outer barrel 212 at both ends of crossbar 222. Needle 204 ispreferably rigidly attached to crossbar 222. However, as shown, anoptional flash chamber 102 is attached to crossbar 222 and needle 204attached to flash chamber 102 with the beveled tip of needle 204oriented proximally. Finally, locking flange 226 is preferably attachedto crossbar 222. However, as shown, an optional flash chamber 102 isattached to crossbar 222 and locking flange 226 is attached to flashchamber 102. Side finger grips 224 are preferably ergonomic featuresallowing for improved grasping of outer barrel 212 connected to outerbarrel 212 and disposed along the length of outer barrel 212. It shouldbe appreciated that double barreled housing 202 a may be configured withmore than one locking tab 216 and/or more than one locking flange 226,as is shown in FIG. 2D.

Double barreled housing 202 a is preferably constructed by first fullyassembling outer barrel 212 and any optional components. Then, thedistal end of inner barrel 210 is inserted a substantial distancethrough the interior gap of outer barrel 212, such that crossbar 222 isdisposed within wall slots 214. Next, locking tab 216 is installed.Finally, end cap 220 is installed.

In operation, double barreled housing 202 a is preferably initiallyconfigured with needle 204 extending substantially beyond the proximalend of inner barrel 210. After using needle 204, the user displacesouter barrel 212 from the proximal end of inner barrel 210 to the distalend of inner barrel 210 by sliding it along the length of inner barrel210. With needle 204 fully within inner barrel 210, locking flange 226preferably irreversibly engages locking tab 216. Once locking flange 226and locking tab 216 are engaged, needle 204 may not again be extractedfrom the interior of inner barrel 210 without circumventing ordestroying locking flange 226 and/or locking tab 216. End cap 220prevents full separation of outer barrel 212 from inner barrel 210.

Outer barrel 212 may optionally be spring biased to a position whereneedle 204 is fully contained within inner barrel 210. The spring biasedouter barrel 212 is preferably initially locked in a position such thatneedle 204 protrudes from inner barrel 210. A push button or otheractivation means may be incorporated to activate the spring biasedmechanism allowing outer barrel 212 to move such that needle 204retracts into inner barrel 210.

Inner barrel 210, outer barrel 212, finger tab 218, end cap 220,crossbar 222, side finger grips 224, and locking tab 216 are preferablyconstructed of a rigid shatterproof plastic. It should be appreciatedthat many of the components of double barreled housing 202 a may beconstructed as a unitary piece or component. For example, end cap 220and locking tab 216 may be constructed as a unitary piece. Similarly,inner barrel 210 and locking tab 216 are preferably constructed as aunitary piece. Locking flange 226 is preferably constructed of asemi-rigid elastomeric material which allows for slight deflection andsubstantial strength while under compression. It should be appreciatedthat other suitable materials may alternatively be used to construct theabove described components of double barreled housing 202 a.

Housing: Single Barreled

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3C in the drawings, simplified schematic viewsof an alternate embodiment of retractable needle system 200 according tothe present invention are illustrated. FIG. 3A illustrates a side viewof a single barreled housing 202 b which is preferably substantiallysimilar to double barreled housing 202 a, but with one significantvariance, i.e., that single barreled housing 202 b comprises no outerbarrel 212. However, all of the components of outer barrel 212 areincorporated into single barreled housing 202 b.

FIG. 3B is a side view of a crossbar assembly 228 and FIG. 3C is an endview of crossbar assembly 228. Crossbar assembly 228 comprises needle204, crossbar 222, side finger grips 224, and two locking flanges 226.However, as shown, an optional flash chamber 102 is attached to crossbar222 and needle 204 attached to flash chamber 102 with the beveled tip ofneedle 204 oriented proximally. Orientation, assembly, and constructionof the components of crossbar assembly 228 are substantially similar tothat of outer barrel 212. In operation, use of single barreled housing202 b is substantially similar to the above described use of doublebarreled housing 202 a. It should be understood that double barreledhousing 202 a may be configured with only one locking flange 226, as isshown in FIG. 3D.

Housing: Modified Syringe

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4D in the drawings, an alternate embodiment ofretractable needle system 200 according to the present invention isillustrated. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a modified syringe housing 202c comprises a syringe body 230 and a plunger 232. Syringe body 230 issubstantially a thin walled cylinder and plunger 232 is substantially acylindrical rod having a smaller outside diameter than the insidediameter of syringe body 230. The distal end of syringe body 230 ispreferably partially plugged with a plunger guide 234 and the proximalend of syringe body 230 is preferably plugged with a needle stopper 236.Plunger 232 is preferably located substantially with the interior spaceof syringe body 230 but with a plunger handle 238 protruding from thedistal end of syringe body 230 through a hole in plunger guide 234.Plunger 232 also preferably has a catch 240 located near its proximalend for preventing plunger 232 from being fully removed from syringebody 230. Catch 240 is sized such that it cannot pass through the holein plunger guide 234. The distal end of needle 204 is preferablyattached to the proximal end of plunger 232.

Needle stopper 236 includes an aperture designed to allow needle 204 topass therethrough. However, once needle 204 is fully retracted intosyringe body 230 and fully removed from needle stopper 236, theelastomeric properties of needle stopper 236 effectively close theaperture and prevent needle 204 from reentering needle stopper 236.Syringe body 230 preferably has at least one syringe grip 242 forproviding added stability when syringe body 230 is grasped.

In operation, needle 204 is retracted by first holding syringe body 230stationary with one hand, preferably by utilizing syringe grip 242.Then, with the other hand, plunger handle 238 is grasped and pulleddistally away from syringe body 230 along the length of syringe body 230until the tip of needle 204 exits needle stopper 236 and enters syringebody 230. Needle stopper 236 is preferably constructed of rubber but mayalternately be constructed of plastic, cork, or any other suitablematerial.

It should be appreciated that modified syringe housing 202 c mayoptionally comprise locking tabs 216 for permanently locking plunger 232in its fully retracted position, as illustrated in FIGS. 4C and 4D. Asshown in FIG. 4C where plunger 232 is configured with catch 240, catch240 and locking tabs 216 can engage each other to lock plunger into afully retracted position. Similarly as shown in FIG. 4D, where plunger232 is configured with a wing 244, wing 244 and locking tabs 216 canengage each other to lock needle 204 into a fully retracted position.

Housing: Bayonet

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5B in the drawings, an alternate embodiment ofretractable needle system 200 according to the present invention isillustrated. A bayonet housing 202 d comprises bayonet body 246 and aninternal slider 248. Bayonet body 246 is substantially a thick walledcylinder while internal slider 248 is a short rod-like member having asmaller outside diameter than the inside diameter of bayonet body 246.The distal end of needle 204 is preferably attached to the proximal endof internal slider 248. Bayonet body 246 has a body slot 250 along thelength of bayonet body 246. Internal slider 248 is located substantiallywithin the space between the inner wall of bayonet body 246 but with abayonet handle 252 protruding through body slot 250 such that bayonethandle 252 provides a convenient feature with which to retract needle204. Bayonet body 246 preferably has at least one bayonet grip 254 forproviding added stability when bayonet body 246 is grasped.

Bayonet handle 252 of bayonet housing 202 d may be designed in at leasttwo different ways to cater to different methods of manipulating bayonethandle 252. For example and specifically referring to FIG. 5A, bayonethandle 252 may be designed to promote the ability to both hold bayonethousing 202 d and retract needle 204 with the use of only one hand. Thisis accomplished by designing bayonet handle 252 with a thumb tab 256.Thumb tab 256 is proportioned and shaped such that while graspingbayonet body 246 with the palm and/or fingers of one hand, the thumb ofthe same hand is free to provide the necessary force to thumb tab 256 toretract needle 204 into bayonet body 246. Thumb tab 256 is convenientlyactuated by a thumb in part because thumb tab 256 is sized and shaped ina manner ergonomically matched to a thumb. In operation, bayonet 202 dand thumb tab 256 are used to retract needle 204 by first graspingbayonet body 246 with one hand and using the thumb of that same hand toapply a distally directed force to thumb tab 256.

Specifically referring to FIG. 5B, another design of bayonet handle 252promotes using two hands to hold bayonet housing 202 d and retractneedle 204. This is accomplished by designing bayonet handle 252 as agrip tab 258. Grip tab 258 is preferably proportioned and shaped suchthat while grasping bayonet body 246 with one hand, the thumb andforefinger of the other hand are used to pinch grip tab 258 and thensimultaneously provide necessary force to retract needle 204 intobayonet body 246. Grip tab 258 is conveniently gripped by a thumb and acorresponding forefinger of the same hand in part because it is sizedand shaped in a manner ergonomically matched to a thumb andcorresponding forefinger of the same hand. In operation, bayonet housing202 d and grip tab 258 are used to retract needle 204 by first graspingbayonet body 246 with one hand, then, by pinching grip tab 258 andapplying a distally directed force to grip tab 258 with the thumb andcorresponding forefinger of the other hand.

It should be appreciated that bayonet housing 202 d may optionallycomprise locking tabs 216 and other associated features intended to lockneedle 204 in a fully retracted position. Where locking tabs 216 areincorporated into bayonet housing 202 d, internal slider 248 preferablyhas wing 244 affixed near the distal end of internal slider (see FIG.5B). In an alternate configuration, internal slider 248 has ballbearings 260 partially recessed within the exterior walls of internalslider 248 (see FIG. 5A). Both wing 244 and ball bearings 260 are sizedand located so as to engage with locking tabs 216 to lock needle 204into a fully retracted position.

Housing: Summary

It should be appreciated that while several designs of housing 202 havebeen described, the present invention is not limited to the specificallydescribed designs. Instead, the described designs are novel variationsin accomplishing needle retraction. According to the present invention,it is preferred that needle 204 be retractable into a protective body,such as housing 202. Thus, IV 100 is not limited to any particularmechanism for or method of accomplishing needle retraction. For example,while double barreled housing 202 a, single barreled housing 202 b,modified syringe housing 202 c, and bayonet housing 202 d are describedas having substantially cylindrical elements, those elements mayalternatively be shaped differently. Specifically, the previouslydescribed cylindrical elements may instead be substantially rectangularbox shaped in a manner equally as conducive to accomplishing needle 204retraction as the cylindrical elements. IV embodiments may bemanufactured as either manual or automatic needle retraction capability.Automatic systems may include a spring activated retractable needlesystem mechanism that aid in preventing incomplete retraction.

Docking Features: General

Each embodiment of retractable needle system 200 necessarily includesone of many possible embodiments of docking feature 206. The chosendocking feature 206 defines how retractable needle system 200 and bodysystem 300 are connected and disconnected from each other. Dockingfeatures 206 prescribe the manner in which retractable needle system 200is interfaced with an accompanying body system 300. As such, dockingfeatures 206 contribute to the overall stability of IV 100. There aremany possible embodiments for docking features 206, each having certainbenefits and advantages.

Docking Features: Female Coupling

Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6C in the drawings, side views of thepreferred embodiment of docking feature 206 according to the presentinvention are illustrated. In this embodiment, docking feature 206 is afemale coupling 206 a. Female coupling feature 206 a comprises areceptacle 262 into which a complementarily shaped portion of bodysystem 300 is inserted when IV 100 is fully assembled. Female coupling206 a depends on receptacle 262 and the complementarily shaped portionof body system 300 to reduce tilting or other misalignment of bodysystem 300 with respect to a lengthwise axis of needle 264. Femalecoupling 206 a depends on an interference fit between needle 204 andportions of body system 300 to prevent rotation of body system 300 aboutthe axis of needle 264. Also, female coupling 206 a depends on theinterference fit between needle 204 and portions of body system 300 toprevent body system 300 from displacing along axis of needle 264. Femalecoupling 206 a may be incorporated into any retractable needle system200. Specifically, female coupling 206 a may be incorporated into doublebarreled housing 202 a (see FIG. 6A), single barreled housing 202 b (notshown), modified syringe housing 202 c (see FIG. 6B), and bayonethousing 202 d (see FIG. 6C).

Docking Features: Threaded Female

Referring now to FIGS. 6D-6F in the drawings, side views of an alternateembodiment of docking feature 206 according to the present invention areillustrated. In this embodiment, docking feature 206 is a threadedfemale feature 206 b. Threaded female feature 206 b also comprises areceptacle 262 into which a complementarily shaped portion of bodysystem 300 is inserted when IV 100 is fully assembled. Additionally,receptacle 262 comprises a series of threads 266 and the complementaryportion of body system 300 includes compatible threads 266. Threadedfemale feature 206 b depends on receptacle 262 and the complementarilyshaped portion of body system 300 to reduce tilting or othermisalignment of body system 300 with respect to axis of needle 264.Threaded female feature 206 b depends on the screw fit provided bythreads 266 to prevent rotation of body system 300 about axis of needle264 and displacement of body system 300 along axis of needle 264.Threaded female feature 206 b may be incorporated into any retractableneedle system 200. Specifically, threaded female feature 206 b may beincorporated into double barreled housing 202 a (see FIG. 6D), singlebarreled housing 202 b (not shown), modified syringe housing 202 c (seeFIG. 6E), and bayonet housing 202 d (see FIG. 6F).

Docking Features: Male Coupling

Referring now to FIGS. 6G-6I in the drawings, side views of an alternateembodiment of docking feature 206 according to the present invention areillustrated. In this embodiment, docking feature 206 is a male coupling206 c. Male coupling 206 c comprises a protrusion 268 that is insertedinto a complementarily shaped portion of body system 300 when IV 100 isfully assembled. Male coupling 206 c depends on protrusion 268 and thecomplementarily shaped portion of body system 300 to reduce tilting orother misalignment of body system 300 with respect to axis of needle264. Male coupling 206 c depends on an interference fit between needle204 and portions of body system 300 to prevent rotation of body system300 about axis of needle 264. Also, male coupling 206 c depends on theinterference fit between needle 204 and portions of body system 300 toprevent body system 300 from displacing along axis of needle 264. Malecoupling 206 c may be incorporated into any retractable needle system200. Specifically, it may be incorporated into double barreled housing202 a (see FIG. 6G), single barreled housing 202 b (not shown), modifiedsyringe housing 202 c (see FIG. 6H), and bayonet housing 202 d (see FIG.6I).

Docking Features: Fully Needle Dependent

Referring now to FIGS. 6J-6L in the drawings, side views of an alternateembodiment of docking feature 206 according to the present invention areillustrated. In this embodiment, docking feature 206 is a fully needledependent feature 206 d, in which retractable needle system 200 and bodysystem 300 are held together by the friction between needle 204 and bodysystem 300, such that a flat face 270 of retractable needle system 200abuts with a similarly flat portion of body system 300. Fully needledependent feature 206 d depends on an interference fit between needle204 and portions of body system 300 to prevent rotation of body system300 about axis of needle 264, and to prevent body system 300 fromdisplacing along axis of needle 264. Fully needle dependent feature 206d may be incorporated into any retractable needle system 200.Specifically, fully needle dependent feature 206 d may be incorporatedinto double barreled housing 202 a (see FIG. 6J), single barreledhousing 202 b (see FIG. 3A), modified syringe housing 202 c (see FIG.6K), and bayonet housing 202 d (see FIG. 6L).

Docking Features: Summary

It should be appreciated that while several embodiments of dockingfeature 206 have been described, the present invention is not limited tothe specifically described embodiments. Instead, the describedembodiments are variations in accomplishing connection and disconnectionof retractable needle system 200 and body system 300. Thus, it will beappreciated that variation in the mechanism for or method ofaccomplishing connection and disconnection of retractable needle system200 and body system 300 is well within the scope of the presentinvention. However, it is preferred that the connection betweenretractable needle system 200 and body system 300 not be tenuous oreasily broken.

Finally, although the various embodiments of docking feature 206 shownand described incorporate male/female mating elements, threaded screwfit elements, press-fit elements, and simple abutment elements, itshould be understood that these and other elements may be altered and/orcombined to comprise additional embodiments of docking feature 206. Forexample, docking feature 206 may comprise a combination of both male andfemale elements intended to interface complementary features of bodysystem 300.

Anti-Shearing

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-9B in the drawings, various embodiments ofoptional anti-shearing mechanism 208 are illustrated for manual needleextraction. It should be understood that an automatic retractable needlesystem (i.e., spring loaded) might also be incorporated into thesedesigns. It should be appreciated that any of these embodiments ofanti-shearing mechanism 208 may be utilized with any of the embodimentsof retractable needle system 200. The main purpose of anti-shearingmechanism 208 is to ensure that needle 204 only travels in onedirection, i.e., out of catheter 104 of body system 300 and into housing202, thereby eliminating the possibility that needle 204 might tear,scrape, or puncture catheter 104.

Anti-Shearing: Flange Locking Mechanism

The preferred embodiment of anti-shearing mechanism 208 is shown in aside view in FIGS. 7A and 7B. In this embodiment, anti-shearingmechanism 208 is a flanged locking mechanism 208 c. Flanged lockingmechanism 208 c also comprises a series of grooves 272 preferably asfeatures of the interior wall of inner barrel 210. Grooves 272 aresubstantially triangular voids as viewed from above with the wider endof each groove 272 being located proximally as compared to the narrowerend of each groove 272. Further, flanged locking mechanism 208 ccomprises locking flanges 226. Locking flanges 226 are preferablyattached to crossbar assembly 222 in a manner such that locking flanges226 tend to exert pressure on the interior walls of inner barrel 210,such pressure tending to increase within a single groove 272 as lockingflanges 226 are displaced more distally within that groove 272. Aslocking flanges 226 are advanced between grooves 272, locking flanges226 are deflected toward axis of needle 264. As locking flanges 226 havefully entered into a groove 272, locking flanges 226 regain theiroriginal undeflected position thereby preventing departure from groove272 in the proximal direction.

It should be appreciated that flanged locking mechanism 208 c mayalternately comprise only one locking flange 226, as is shown in FIG.9B, or more than two locking flanges 226. Construction factors such asmaterial and shaping of the components of flanged locking mechanism 208c may vary and still yield acceptable results. It should be appreciatedthat while flanged locking mechanism 208 c has been discussed andillustrated as incorporated with a single barreled housing 202 b,flanged locking mechanism 208 c can be incorporated into otherembodiments of housings 202.

Anti-Shearing: Bearing Locking Mechanism

One embodiment of anti-shearing mechanism 208 is shown in a top view inFIG. 8A and in a side view in FIG. 8B. As is shown, a bearing lockingmechanism 208 a comprises a series of ratchet-type grooves 272 and atleast one ball bearing 260. Grooves 272 are illustrated as features ofthe inside wall of bayonet body 246. Ball bearing 260 is preferablyattached to internal slider 248 in a manner providing a spring-likepositional biasing, such that ball bearing 260 tends to exert pressureon interior walls of bayonet body 246. As ball bearing 260 is displacedto a location more distal within a single groove 272 forces exchangedbetween the interior wall of bayonet body 246 and ball bearing 260increases. The shape and placement of grooves 272 ensures that slider248 and needle 204 may only move in the direction that is into housing202.

Construction factors, such as material and shaping of the components ofbearing locking mechanism 208 a, may vary and still yield acceptableresults. It should be appreciated that the construction factors arepreferably selected such that as ball bearings 260 are advanced to eachnext distally located successive groove 272, internal slider 248 andassociated ball bearings 260 are prevented from displacing proximally toa previous engaged groove 272. It should be appreciated that whilebearing locking mechanism 208 a has been discussed and illustrated asincorporated with a bayonet housing 202 d, bearing locking mechanism 208a can be incorporated into other housings 202.

Anti-Shearing: Winged Locking Mechanism

Another embodiment of anti-shearing mechanism 208 is shown in a top viewin FIG. 9A and in a side view in FIG. 9B. In this embodiment,anti-shearing mechanism 208 is a winged locking mechanism 208 b. Wingedlocking mechanism 208 b also comprises a series of grooves 272. However,instead of incorporating a ball bearing 260, winged locking mechanism208 b utilizes a wing 244. Wing 244 is preferably attached to internalslider 248 in a manner such that wing 244 tends to exert pressure on theinterior walls of bayonet body 246, such pressure tending to increasewithin a single groove 272 as winged insert 228 is displaced moredistally within that groove 272. As wing 244 is advanced between grooves272, a flexible portion 274 of wing 244 is collapsed. As wing 244 hasfully entered into a groove 272, flexible portion 274 regains itsoriginal uncollapsed shape, thereby preventing departure from groove 272in the proximal direction.

Construction factors such as material and shaping of the components ofwinged locking mechanism 208 b may vary and still yield acceptableresults. It should be appreciated that while winged locking mechanism208 b has been discussed and illustrated as incorporated with a bayonethousing 202 d, winged locking mechanism 208 b may be incorporated intoother embodiments of housings 202.

Anti-Shearing: Summary

It should be understood that while several embodiments of anti-shearingmechanism 208 for manual needle retraction systems have been described,the present invention is not limited to the specifically describedembodiments. The size and placement of grooves 272 have been enlarged inthe figures for ease of viewing. In order to maximize the anti-shearingeffect of anti-shearing mechanism 208, it is desirable to minimize thedistance between successive grooves 272, thereby reducing the distanceneedle 204 is allowed to travel in the undesired direction. Furthermore,it will be appreciated that each embodiment of anti-shearing mechanism208 may be incorporated into any embodiment of housing 202 ofretractable needle system 200.

Body: Shapes

Referring now to FIG. 10A in the drawings, a side view of the preferredembodiment of body 302 according to the present invention isillustrated. Body 302 may be one of a variety of shapes. However shapedor configured, body 302 includes at least one hub 304, preferably acylindrical open port providing access to the interior of body 302.Bodies 302 are preferably of sufficient length from its distal end toproximal end to prevent a typical needle or blunt from being inserted sofar as to reach catheter 104, thereby preventing catheter shear. Plug308 is used to fill hub 304. Plug 308 is preferably a stationaryelastomeric mass having at least one through hole sized and situatedsuch that needle 204 may be passed therethrough from the exterior ofbody 302 into the interior of body 302. The elastomeric properties ofplug 308 preferably seal the hole in plug 308 when no needle 204 ispresent.

In this embodiment, body 302 is a bulb body 302 b that is substantiallytear drop shaped. Hub 304 is located on the distal end of bulb body 302b. When bulb body 302 b is situated in a resting position on thepatient's skin, the bulbous portion of the tear drop shape serves tolift the distal end of bulb body 302 b up and away from the patient'sskin, thereby facilitating the insertion of needle 204 into the hole ofplug 308. Unlike standard body 302 a (discussed infra), when bulb body302 b is flush against the patient's skin, a significant amount ofsurface area of bulb body 302 b is in contact with the patient's skin,thereby comparatively reducing the pressure applied to the patient'sskin.

Referring now to FIG. 10B in the drawings, a side view of an alternateembodiment of body 302 according to the present invention isillustrated. In this embodiment, body 302 is a standard body 302 a thatis substantially cone shaped with a flare 316 on the distal end. Hub 304is located on the distal end of standard body 302 a. When standard body302 a is situated in a resting position on the patient's skin, flare 316serves as an attachment for a luer-lock device. It might also serve tolift the distal end of standard body 302 a up and away from thepatient's skin after placement to facilitate with the connection ofother peripheral IV devices.

Referring now to FIG. 10C in the drawings, a side view of an alternateembodiment of body 302 according to the present invention isillustrated. In this embodiment, body 302 is a single tapered body 302 cthat is substantially tear drop shaped, but with a single flattenedsurface 318. Hub 304 is located on the distal end of single tapered body302 c. In operation, flattened surface 318 is oriented to contact thepatient's skin. This configuration stabilizes single tapered body 302 cwith respect to the patient's skin.

Referring now to FIG. 10D in the drawings, a side view of an alternateembodiment of body 302 according to the present invention isillustrated. In this embodiment, body 302 is a dual tapered body 302 dthat is substantially tear drop shaped, but with two flattened surfaces318. Flattened surfaces 318 preferably directly oppose each other, andare separated from each other by approximately 180° about axis of needle264. A hub 304 is located on the distal end of dual tapered body 302 d.In operation, either flattened surface 318 may be abutted to thepatient's skin and used to stabilize dual tapered body 302 d withrespect to the patient's skin.

Referring now to FIG. 38 in the drawings, a side view of an alternateembodiment of body 302 according to the present invention isillustrated. In this embodiment, body 302 is more specifically bulb body302 b but further comprising a flexible joint 112 incorporated near theproximal end of body 302 b. Flexible joint 112 serves to allow bulb body302 b to be bent, flexed, or otherwise oriented to reduce unintentionalmovement of the distal end of catheter 104 while allowing movement of aremaining portion of bulb body 302 b. For example, after placement ofthe IV, the portion of bulb body 302 b proximal to the flexible joint112 may be affixed to the patient's skin allowing significant movementof the portion of bulb body 302 b distal to flexible joint 112 withoutcausing undesired movement of the distal end of catheter 104. It shouldbe appreciated that any embodiment of body 302 may incorporate flexiblejoint 112. Further, flexible joint 112 is preferably constructed of aflexible elastomeric material but may alternatively be constructed ofmetal, plastic, or other suitable material. Flexible joint 112 mayalternatively be constructed with a preset or limited number of possiblepositions to which body 302 may oriented. For example, flexible joint112 may simply be an articulating joint movable between two or morepredefined possible positions.

It should be appreciated that while several embodiments of body 302 havebeen described, the present invention is not limited to the specificallydescribed embodiments. Instead, the various embodiments of body 302allow for varying functionality, in that some embodiments reducemovement of body 302 with respect to the patient's skin, and someembodiments reduce pressure applied to the patient's skin. Someembodiments of body 302 aid in orienting hubs 304 at selected angleswith respect to the patient's skin and locate hubs 304 selecteddistances from the patient's skin, thereby resulting in more convenientaccess to hubs 304. Although body 302 has been shown with a single hub304 in the embodiments of FIGS. 10A-10D, body 302 may alternatelycomprise two or more hubs 304.

Body: Dual & Multiple Hubs

Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11D in the drawings, alternate embodiments ofbody 302 having multiple hubs 304 according to the present invention areillustrated. In these embodiments, a main hub 304 a is located at thedistal end of body 302 b, and other hubs 304 are located elsewhere on orconnected to body 302. For example, in FIG. 11A, a piggy back hub 304 bis located near the distal end of body 300. Piggy back hub 304 b ispreferably a rigid thin-walled cylindrical protrusion from body 302.Piggy back hub 304 b provides additional access to the interior of body302. Piggy back hub 304 b includes a plug 308 to seal body system 300and prevent blood or other fluids from leaking from piggy back hub 304b. It should be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment of piggyback hub 304 b, a valve 334 (discussed infra) may substitute plug 308.

An alternate embodiment of a multi-hub body 302 according to the presentinvention is illustrated in FIG. 11B. In this embodiment, side-line hub304 c is connected to the distal end of body 302. Side-line hub 304 cprovides additional access to the interior of body 302. However, insteadof being a rigid protrusion, side-line hub 304 c is preferably connectedto body 302 by a flexible tube 320. Side-line hub 304 c is preferably athin-walled cylinder with one end closed by plug 308 and the other endconnected to flexible tube 320. It should be appreciated that in analternative embodiment of side-line hub 304 c, a valve 334 (discussedinfra) may substitute plug 308.

Another alternate embodiment of a multi-hub body 302 according to thepresent invention is illustrated in FIG. 11C. In this embodiment, body302 comprises three or more hubs 304, including a single main hub 304 aand two side-line hubs 304 c. Specifically, one side-line hub 304 chouses plug 308 while the other side-line hub 304 c houses a valve 336(discussed infra). The configurations of FIGS. 11B and 11C havingside-line hubs 304 c connected to body 302 by flexible tubing areparticularly well suited for use with pediatric patients, due to thelimited space constraints. Another alternate embodiment of a multi-hubbody 302 according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 11D.In this embodiment, body 302 comprises three or more hubs 304, includinga single main hub 304 a and two piggy back hubs 304 b. Specifically, onepiggy back hub 304 b houses plug 308 while the other piggy back hub 304b houses a valve 334 (discussed infra).

It should be appreciated that while body 302 has been described ashaving a variety of combinations of hubs 304, the present invention isnot limited to the specifically described embodiments. Instead, thedescribed embodiments are intended to illustrate that body 302 may beconfigured with one or any combination of multiple hubs 304.Specifically, body 302 may comprise a main hub 304 a and any number ofpiggy back hubs 304 b and/or side-line hubs 304 c.

Body: Movement Limiting Features

Referring now to FIG. 12 in the drawings, another alternate embodimentof body 302 according to the present invention is illustrated. In thisembodiment, body 302 optionally comprises body grips 322. Body grips 322are located on the outer surface of body 302. Two body grips 322 arepreferably separated from each other 180° about axis of needle 264. Bodygrips 322 are useful for providing an improved gripping surface orfeature to body 302. By allowing a more secure grip for the user of IV100, unintentional movement of body 302 is reduced. Body grips 322 arepreferably molded into body 302, but may be formed of a differentmaterial and attached to body 302. Body grips 322 preferably comprise atexturized surface made up of raised ridges. Alternatively, thetexturized surface may comprise a multiplicity of raised dots or otherknurling. While body grips 322 have been described with specificityabove, body grips are not limited to the above described embodiments.Further, while body grips 322 are shown in FIG. 12 incorporated with adual tapered body 302 d, body grips 322 may alternatively be used withany embodiment of body 302.

Referring now to FIG. 13 in the drawings, a side view of an alternateembodiment of body 302 according to the present invention isillustrated. In this embodiment, body 302 includes a double-stickadhesive strip 324. Adhesive strip 324 preferably comprises a layer ofdouble-stick adhesive 326 and a protective peel-off shield 328. Layer ofadhesive 326 is preferably initially adjoined to body 302, and afterplacement of the IV catheter in the patient, it is adjoined to thepatient's skin. Adhesive strip 324 is preferably initially insulatedfrom patient's skin by protective shield 328. Protective shield 328 ispreferably a thin waterproof release liner that may be removed fromadhesive strip 324 by pulling on a pull tab 330 that is connected toadhesive strip 324 via a string 332. By adhering body 302 to thepatient's skin, unintentional movement of body 302 is greatly reduced.It should be appreciated that while adhesive feature 324 has been shownin connection with single tapered body 302 c, adhesive feature 324 mayalternatively be used with any embodiment of body 302.

Valves

Referring now to FIG. 14A in the drawings, a side view of an alternateembodiment of body system 300 according to the present invention isillustrated. A valve 334 may be incorporated into body system 300 whenit is desirable to provide fluid connectivity between needleless devicesand body 302. Valve 334 performs the same functions of plug 308, i.e.,allowing the entry of needles 204 into the interior of body 302 andpreventing blood and other fluids from leaking out of body 302, butprovides the additional functionality of allowing needleless devices tointerface and be used with body 302. As opposed to being stationary likeplug 308, valve 334 is movable with respect to hub 304. The fluidconnection between the external needleless device and the interior ofbody 302 is preferably accomplished by incorporating a set of fluidchannels 336. Fluid channels 336 are grooves operably associated withvalve 334 that provide fluid communication between the interior of body302 and the needless device. In the preferred embodiment, fluid channels336 are cooperative grooves formed in portions of the external surfacesof valve 334 and the interior surfaces of hub 304. Fluid channels 336are configured such that a fluid tight seal exists between hub 304 andvalve 334 until valve 334 is actuated relative to hub 304 by insertionof the needless device.

Needleless devices typically have dull, flat tips incapable oftransferring fluid when their flat tips are firmly pressed againstcorrespondingly flat surfaces. In operation of valve 334, the tip of aneedleless device is preferably pressed against an exterior face 338 ofvalve 334 in a proximal direction. In this embodiment, fluid channels336 are selectively formed in exterior face 338. This configurationallows the needless device to press against exterior face for actuationof valve 334 and to then allow fluids to flow into and out of theneedleless device via fluid channels 336.

Fluid channels 336 may extend from a location along the interior surfaceof hub 304 to a proximal location along the interior surface of body302. It will be appreciated that the dimensions and shape of fluidchannels 336 may vary depending upon the desired flow characteristics;however, it is preferred that each configuration be arranged such thatas fluid flows through fluid channels 336, turbulence of the fluid isminimized. The separate fluid channels 336 located on hub 304 arepreferably displaced evenly about axis of needle 264. Fluid channels 336on valve 334 should remain aligned with fluid channels 336 of hub 304.If fluid channels 336 on valve 334 and fluid channels of hub 304 becomemisaligned about axis of needle 264, a fluid connection is not possible.Therefore, hub 304 and valve 334 preferably include an anti-rotationmeans, such as a keyway, for preventing misalignment between fluidchannels 336 in valve 334 and hub 304.

Referring now to FIGS. 14B and 14C in the drawings, a side view of analternate embodiment of body system 300 according to the presentinvention is illustrated. In this embodiment, valve 334 is actuated byrotation about axis of needle 264. This rotational actuation bringsfluid channels 336 of hub 304 and valve 334 into alignment. Acircumferential channel 340 ensures that a fluid connection betweenfluid channels 336 of valve 334 and hub 304 is maintained when valve 334is actuated.

As shown in FIG. 14B, circumferential channel 340 is a circumferentialgroove or recess located on the interior surface of hub 304 and body 302extending from a location near the proximal end of hub 304 to a locationnear the distal end of body 302. This embodiment allows a fluidconnection between fluid channels 336 of valve 334 and hub 304regardless of the rotational alignment of valve 334 and hub 304.Circumferential channel 340 is permanently connected to fluid channels336 of body 302. Therefore, a fluid connection is achieved between thefluid channels 336 of exterior face 338 and interior of body 302 whenvalve 334 is displaced proximally enough to connect the fluid channels336 of valve 334 to circumferential channel 340. Similar results areobtained when circumferential channel 340 is incorporated into valve 334instead of hub 304 and body 302.

As shown in FIG. 14C, circumferential channel 340 is a circumferentialgroove or recess located on the exterior cylindrical surface of valve334 near the proximal end of valve 334. This embodiment allows a fluidconnection between fluid channels 336 of valve 334 and hub 304,regardless of the rotational alignment of valve 334 and hub 304. In thisalternate configuration, circumferential channel 340 is permanentlyconnected to fluid channels 336 of valve 334. Therefore, a fluidconnection is achieved between the fluid channels 336 of exterior face338 and interior of body 302 when valve 334 is displaced proximallyenough to connect circumferential channel 340 to the fluid channels 336of hub 304.

Recoil mechanism 310 (shown and explained in detail infra) preferablyacts to positionally bias valve 334 to a resting position where valve334 seals hub 304, thereby preventing fluid flow into or out of body 302through fluid channels 336. Valves 334 may be configured in a number ofways; however, when valve 334 is in the resting position, a fluid tightseal exists between valve 334 and hub 304.

In operation, as a needleless device is pressed in a proximal directionagainst exterior face 338, valve 334 displaces proximally. When valve334 is sufficiently displaced proximally, the aligned fluid channels 336and/or circumferential channels 340 of valve 334 and hub 304 form afluid connection as described above. The fluid connection extends fromthe fluid channels 336 on exterior face 338 to the proximal and of fluidchannels 336 on the interior surface of body 302. Once the desired fluidtransfer has taken place between the interior of body 302 and theneedleless device, the needleless device is removed from exterior face338 and recoil mechanism 310 forces valve 334 back into the restingposition, where fluid flow into or out of body 302 through fluidchannels 336 is prevented. Recoil mechanism 310 preferably acts on aninterior face 342 of valve 334.

While FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate valve 334 with four separate fluidchannels 336 extending along the outer surfaces of valve 334, valve 334may alternatively be configured with more or fewer fluid channels 336.For example, valve 334 may have only one fluid channel 336, as is shownin FIGS. 14D and 14E, or valve 334 may have only two fluid channels 336,as is shown in FIGS. 14F and 14G.

In addition, while FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate valve 334 as having fluidchannels connected the center of exterior face 338 and extendingradially outward with gradually increasing width, the shapes of fluidchannels may vary considerably depending upon the flow characteristicsdesired. For example, FIGS. 14D and 14E show valve 334 (viewing itsproximal end) as having a single keyhole shaped fluid channel 336.Similarly, FIGS. 14F and 14G show valve 334 (viewing its proximal end)as having a double keyhole shaped fluid channel 336. Finally, whileexterior face 338 has been depicted as being substantially flat,exterior face 338 may alternatively have a sloped configuration, as isshown in FIG. 14H, or fluid channels 336 may be inclined. These slopingand inclined surfaces facilitate non-turbulent fluid flow, and areparticularly well suited for situations in which high flow rates aredesired.

Valves 334 may alternatively be incorporated into other IV accessories.Now referring to FIG. 35, valves 334 may be attached to devices having aneedleless male tip 120. The device having needleless male tip 120 mayhave an integral valve 334 attached to the device allowing selectivefluid access to the device through valve 334. Side-line hub 304 c may beattached to the device having needleless male tip 120 by connectingside-line hub 304 c to one end of flexible tube 320 and the devicehaving needleless male tip 120 to the other end of flexible tube 320. Asillustrated in FIG. 36, it should be appreciated that the device havingneedleless male tip 120 may alternatively have no integral valve 334.Instead the needleless male tip device may only have a side-line hub 304c attached via flexible tube 320 as described above. It should beappreciated that in both IV accessories having needleless male tips asillustrated in FIGS. 35 and 36, valves 334 preferably carry recoilmechanisms 310 (discussed infra) and fluid channels 336. Alternatively,hubs 304 of the IV accessories having needleless male tips may carry thenecessary and appropriate recoil mechanisms 310 (discussed infra) andfluid channels 336.

Now referring to Additionally, valves 334 may alternatively beincorporated into a bottle 122. Bottle 122 is preferably adapted to besuitable for containing medicine and other medically related fluids suchas saline solutions. Valve 334 preferably carries recoil mechanism 310(discussed infra) and fluid channels 336. Alternatively, a hub 304 maybe incorporated into bottle 122 and hub 304 may carry the necessary andappropriate recoil mechanism 310 (discussed infra) and fluid channels336.

Valve Shapes

Referring now to FIGS. 15A-15E in the drawings, simplified schematicside views of alternate embodiments of body system 300 according to thepresent invention are illustrated. In FIGS. 15A-15E, fluid channels 336and circumferential channels 340 are shown in order to offer a clearerview of valve 334. As set forth above, valve 334 may be shaped andconfigured in a number of ways.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 15A, valve 334 comprises a wideproximal valve 334 a in which valve 334 a is greater in diameter nearthe proximal end than the midsection and distal end. In this embodiment,the greater diameter of valve 334 at the proximal end provides therequisite seal between valve 334 and hub 304.

As shown in the embodiment FIG. 15B, valve 334 comprises a high slopevalve 334 b in which the proximal end of valve 334 b is narrower thanthe midsection and distal end. The abrupt transition in diameter fromnarrow at the proximal end to full diameter at the midsection results ina high slope face 344. To retain high slope valve 334 b, hub 304 isadapted with a high slope retainer 346. High slope retainer 346 ispreferably an inwardly protruding wall of hub 304 shaped and located soas to engage high slope valve 334 b at high slope face 344.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 15C, valve 334 comprises a low slopevalve 334 c in which the distal end of valve 334 c extends well beyondthe confines of hub 304 and into the interior of body 302. The narrowerproximal end of low slope valve 334 c is preferably elongated ascompared to high slope valve 334 b. Also, the gradual transition indiameter from the narrow diameter proximal end of valve 334 c to thefull diameter midsection results in a low slope face 348. To retain lowslope valve 334 c, hub 304 is adapted with a low slope retainer 350. Lowslope retainer 350 is preferably an inwardly protruding wall of hub 304shaped and located so as to engage low slope valve 334 c at low slopeface 348.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 15D, valve 334 comprises a taperedvalve 334 d in which the diameter of valve 334 d is gradually reducedfrom the midsection to the distal end. This reduction in diameter ispreferably non-linear and results in a non-linear interior face 342.Recoil mechanism 310 preferably engages tapered valve 334 d onnon-linear tapered face 342.

As shown in FIG. 15E, valves 334 and plugs 308 may optionally include afluid reservoir 352 in fluid communication with through hole 335 invalves 334 and plugs 308 through which needle 204 passes. The purpose offluid reservoir 352 is to remove and trap any small amounts of blood orfluid that may be present on the exterior surface of needle 204 asneedle 204 is retracted through valve 334 or plug 308, as allowing suchblood or fluid to remain on needle 204 after removal from valves 334 orplugs 308 is undesirable. Should any blood or fluid be carried by theexterior surface of needle 204 as needle 204 is pulled through plug 308or valve 334, the edges of fluid reservoir 352 strip the fluid off ofneedle 204 and trap the fluid in reservoir 352.

While several specific embodiments of plug 308 and valve 334 have beenshown and described, it should be appreciated that plug 308 and valve334 may take on a wide variety of other shapes and sizes while remainingwithin the scope of the present invention. For example, plug 308 andvalve 334 may alternatively have cross-sectional geometries that areother than circular. Furthermore, while plug 308 and valve 334 arepreferably constructed of an elastomeric material, plug 308 and valve334 may alternatively be constructed of metal, glass, or any othersuitable material as needed to establish a needle free environment.

Recoil Mechanisms

Recoil mechanism 310 serves to positionally bias valve 334 to theresting position, where fluid flow in and out of body 302 though fluidchannels 336 is prevented. As with many other components of IV 100,recoil mechanism 310 may take on a wide variety of configurations.Referring now to FIGS. 16A-16M in the drawings, various embodiments ofrecoil mechanism 310 are illustrated.

As shown in FIG. 16A, recoil mechanism 310 comprises a spring recoilmechanism 310 a having a recoil spring 354 disposed within body 302 thatactuates valve 334. The shape of recoil spring 354 is preferably definedby the shape and dimensions of the interior wall of body 302. Recoilspring 354 is preferably constructed of a polymer, but may alternativelybe constructed of plastic, metal, metal with Teflon or other coatings,or any other suitable material. In operation, as valve 334 is displacedproximally, recoil spring 354 is acted on by interior face 342, therebycompressing recoil spring 354. Once the force acting on exterior face338 is removed, recoil spring 354 expands and acts on interior face 342to force valve 334 into the resting position.

As shown in FIG. 16B, recoil mechanism 310 comprises a stacked ringrecoil mechanism 310 b having a series of resilient rings 356,preferably made of an elastomeric material, and a tapered insert 358.Tapered insert 358 is preferably rigid and substantially bowl shaped.Like recoil spring 354, the shape and dimensions of resilient rings 356and tapered insert 358 closely track the dimensions of the interior wallof body 302. In this embodiment, resilient rings 356 are stacked inseries within body 302. Tapered insert 358 is located between resilientrings 356 and interior face 342. Tapered insert 358 is preferably shapedsuch that the side of tapered insert 358 that interfaces with interiorface 342 is dimensioned similar to interior face 342, thereby maximizingthe amount of surface contact between tapered insert 358 and interiorface 342. Likewise, the side of tapered insert 358 that interfaces withthe adjacent resilient ring 356 is shaped and dimensioned to maximizethe amount of surface contact between resilient ring 356 and taperedinsert 358.

In operation, as a needleless device presses against exterior face 338and displaces valve 334 proximally, interior face 342 presses againstthe distal side of tapered insert 358. As tapered insert 358 isdisplaced proximally, tapered insert presses against a proximallyadjacent resilient ring 356. As a result, each resilient ring 356subsequently presses against the resilient ring located on its proximalside. The most proximally located resilient ring 356 presses against theinterior wall of body 302. As the needleless device is removed fromexterior face 338, stacked ring recoil mechanism 310 b acts to forcevalve 334 into the resting position. It should be appreciated that whilestacked ring recoil mechanism 310 b is described as having separate anddiscreet resilient rings 356, resilient rings 356 may connected togetherto form a single integral unit.

Because blood clotting and fluid pooling are minimized by the preventionof turbulence within the fluid, it will be appreciated that turbulenceand pooling of fluids flowing within the interior of body 302 and withinthe central openings of resilient rings 356 may optionally be reduced byincorporating a smooth wall (not shown). The smooth wall is preferably acontinuous smooth and flexible thin wall attached to the interiorannular walls of resilient rings 356. In operation, the smooth wallflexes and displaces with resilient rings 356, but does not allow fluidto flow into the space between adjacent resilient rings 356. Likewise,by preventing fluid from entering the space between resilient rings 356and the interior wall of body 302, pooling and turbulence are furtherreduced.

As shown in FIG. 16C, recoil mechanism 310 comprises an arch recoilmechanism 310 c having a resilient arch 360, preferably made of anelastomeric material. Resilient arch 360 comprises an arch base 362 andan arch top 364. Arch base 362 is a substantially cone shaped structuredimensioned to maximize contact with the interior wall of body 302. Archtop 364 is also substantially cone shaped. The proximal end of arch top364 flexibly attaches to arch base 362, and the distal end of arch top364 contacts interior face 342. In operation, as valve 334 is movedtoward the interior of body 302, arch top 364 is bent toward arch base362. When the force acting upon exterior face 338 is removed, theelastic properties of resilient arch 360 cause resilient arch 360 to actupon interior face 342, thereby forcing valve 334 into the restingposition. Arch recoil mechanism 310 c may optionally comprise aninternal seal 366 protruding from the interior face of arch top 364 andextending substantially toward the center of body 302. When valve 334 isin the resting position, internal seal 366 preferably creates a sealthrough which liquids may not pass. When valve 334 is sufficientlydisplaced proximally, internal seal 366 preferably opens allowingliquids to pass. Furthermore, as needle 204 is retracted distallythrough body 302, internal seal 366 serves to remove fluid from theexterior of needle 204 and seal the fluid within body 302.

As shown in FIG. 16D, recoil mechanism 310 comprises a tooth recoilmechanism 310 d having a support insert 368 and a plurality of annularridges 370. Annular ridges 370 protrude from the interior wall ofsupport insert 368 and extend toward axis of needle 264 and are locatedalong the distal end of support insert 368. Support insert 368substantially contacts the interior wall of body 302 and is preferablyfixed in position with respect to body 302. In operation, as valve 334is displaced proximally, annular ridges 370 are displaced proximally byvalve 334 or adjacent annular ridges 370. As the force acting onexterior face 338 is removed, the elastic properties of annular ridges370 cause annular ridges 370 to act on interior face 342 and force valve334 into the resting position. Each annular ridge includes a smallcentral aperture, similar to the apertures through plug 308 and valve334, that produces a fluid tight seal while valve 334 is in the restingposition. Furthermore, as needle 204 is retracted distally through body302, annular ridges 370 serve to remove fluid from the exterior ofneedle 204 and seal such fluid within body 302.

As shown in FIG. 16E, recoil mechanism 310 comprises a frog legsmechanism 310 e having a support insert 368 and an attached collapsibleportion 372. Support insert 368 substantially contacts the interior wallof body 302, and collapsible portion 372 contacts interior face 342.Collapsible portion 372 is an accordion-like structure with elastomericproperties that resist collapse. In operation, as valve 334 is displacedtoward the interior of body 302, collapsible portion 372 is folded andcollapsed. As the force acting on exterior face 338 is removed, theelastic properties of collapsible portion 372 allow it to unfold and acton interior face 342 forcing valve 334 into the resting position.

As shown in FIG. 16F, recoil mechanism 310 comprises a layered diskmechanism 310 f having a recoil lining 374 and a plurality of disks 376.Recoil lining 374 is preferably an elastomeric structure substantiallylining the interior wall of body 302. However, recoil lining 374preferably does not line the interior wall of body 302 near hub 304.Instead, recoil lining 374 is offset proximally from the interior wallof body 302 at the distal end of body 302. Recoil lining 374 contactsinterior face 342. Each disk 376 includes a central aperture to allowneedles 204 to pass therethrough, much like the holes in plugs 308.Disks 376 are stacked closely together within the interior of body andlocated near hub 304. In operation, as valve 334 is displacedproximally, the offset portion of recoil lining 374 is bent toward thecenter of body 302. The bent portion of recoil lining 374 pressesagainst disks 376 causing disks 376 to deform toward the center of body302. As the force acting on exterior face 338 is removed, the elasticproperties of recoil lining 374 and disks 376 cause recoil lining 374and disks 376 to force valve 334 into the resting position.

As shown in FIG. 16G, recoil mechanism 310 comprises a disk and toprecoil mechanism 310 g similar to layered disc recoil mechanism 310 f,with the exception that recoil lining 374 has been replaced with recoillining legs 378. Recoil lining legs 378 closely resemble recoil lining374, but are discreet lengthwise sections of lining, as opposed to acontinuous singular lining of the interior of body 302. Tapered top 380is preferably a bowl-like elastomeric structure substantially similar inshape, location, and function as the distal portion of recoil lining374. Tapered top 380 preferably includes an aperture through whichneedle 204 may be inserted and removed. Recoil lining legs 378 arepreferably connected to tapered top 380 and extend proximally fromtapered top 380. Disks 376 of disk and top recoil mechanism 310 g aresubstantially similar in shape, location, and function as disks 376 oflayered disc recoil mechanism 310 f. In operation, as valve 334 isdisplaced proximally, tapered top 380 is bent toward the center of body302. Tapered top 380 then presses against disks 376 causing disks 376 todeform toward the center of body 302. As the force acting on exteriorface 338 is removed, the elastic properties of tapered top 380 and disks376 cause tapered top 380 and disks 376 to force valve 334 into theresting position.

As shown in FIG. 16H, recoil mechanism 310 comprises a straight toothrecoil mechanism 310 h having recoil lining legs 378, tapered top 380,and annular ridges 370. Recoil lining 374 and tapered top 380 are sized,shaped, and configured substantially as in disk and top recoil mechanism340 g. Annular ridges 370 protrude from tapered top 380 and extendsubstantially orthogonally with respect to the length of body 302 towardaxis of needle 264. During initial needle 204 retraction, as needle 204is retracted distally through body 302, annular ridges 370 serve toremove fluid from the exterior of needle 204 and seal the fluid withinbody 302. In operation of valve 334, as valve 334 is displacedproximally, tapered top 380 is bent toward the center of body 302. Asthe force acting on exterior face 338 is removed, the elastic propertiesof tapered top 380 cause tapered top 380 to force valve 334 into theresting position. Each annular ridge 370 preferably forms a fluid tightseal while valve 334 is in the resting position.

As shown in FIG. 16I, recoil mechanism 310 comprises an angled toothrecoil mechanism 310 i, that is substantially similar to straight toothrecoil mechanism 310 h, with the exception that the orientation ofannular ridges 370 is different. In angled tooth recoil mechanism 310 i,annular ridges 370 preferably protrude from tapered top 380 are angledproximally toward axis of needle 264. Tapered top 380 and annular ridges370 serve substantially the same purpose in angled tooth recoilmechanism 310 i as in straight tooth recoil mechanism 310 h. However, byangling annular ridges 370, insertion of needles 204 and blunts intobody 302 is easier and fluid is better removed from the surface ofneedles 204 and blunts as such devices are retracted from the interiorof body 302.

As shown in FIG. 16J, recoil mechanism 310 comprises a tooth and ringrecoil mechanism 310 j having resilient rings 356, tapered top 380, andannular ridges 370. Annular ridges 370 protrude from tapered top 380 andare oriented as in angled tooth recoil mechanism 310 i. Resilient rings356 are shaped, located, and perform substantially similar to resilientrings 356 of stacked ring recoil mechanism 310 b. In operation,resilient rings 356, tapered top 380, and annular ridges 370 perform insubstantially the same manner with regard to providing a recoil forceand fluid tight seals as described above with respect to recoilmechanism 310 b.

As shown in FIG. 16K, recoil mechanism 310 comprises a tooth and springrecoil mechanism 310 k that is substantially similar to tooth and ringrecoil mechanism 310 j, with the exception that the recoil force intooth and spring recoil mechanism 310 k is provided by a recoil spring354, as opposed to resilient rings 356. In operation, recoil spring 354,tapered top 380, and annular ridges 370 perform in substantially thesame manner with regard to providing recoil force and fluid tight sealsas described with respect to recoil mechanism 310 j.

As shown in FIG. 16L, recoil mechanism 310 comprises a staggered archrecoil mechanism 310 l having tapered top 380, annular ridges 370, andat least one staggered arch 382. Staggered arch 382 is substantiallysimilar to recoil lining 374 of recoil mechanism 310 f, with theexception that staggered arch 382 closely follows interior wall of body302, but has accordion-like deviations alternately toward and away fromaxis of needle 264, as opposed to substantially lining the interior wallof body 302. Staggered arches 382 are discreet lengthwise sections oflining rather than a continuous singular lining of the interior of body302. Much like collapsible portion 372, elastomeric properties ofstaggered arch 382 provide resistance to collapsing staggered arch 382.In operation, as valve 334 is displaced proximally, staggered arch 382is folded and collapsed. As the force acting on exterior face 338 isremoved, the elastic properties of staggered arch 382 cause staggeredarch 382 to force valve 334 into the resting position.

As shown in FIG. 16M, recoil mechanism 310 comprises a half liningrecoil mechanism 310 m having a half recoil lining 384, annular ridges370, and lining supports 386. Half recoil lining 384 is substantiallysimilar to recoil lining 374, with the exception that half recoil liningdoes not fully line the proximal end of the interior wall of body 302.Instead, half recoil lining 384 lines the interior wall of body 302 to adistally offset location from the proximal end of body 302. Liningsupports 386 are connected to the interior wall of body 302 and areabutted to a thickened portion 388 of half recoil lining 384. Liningsupports 386 are stationary and prevent half recoil lining 384 fromdisplacing proximally. Annular ridges 370 protrude from half recoillining 384 in substantially the same manner as the annular ridges 370 ofangled tooth recoil mechanism 310 i.

It should be appreciated that while recoil mechanism 310 has beendescribed with respect to various embodiments, recoil mechanism 310 maybe configured into additional embodiments, particularly when variousfeatures of the above-described embodiments are combined to formdifferent configurations. Further, certain features may be incorporatedinto recoil mechanism 310 to provide improved specialized performance.For example, disks 376 or annular ridges 370 could prevent bloodbackflow and blood spillage from the catheter system should valve 336 orplug 308 fail.

Further, it should be appreciated that while recoil mechanism 310 hasbeen described as being located primarily in the interior of body 302,recoil mechanism 310 may alternatively be located: primarily in hub 304,partially in hub 304 and partially in the interior of body 302, fullycarried by valve 334, partially carried by valve 334 and partiallycarried within hub 304, or partially carried by valve 334 and partiallycarried within both hub 304 and body 302. Alternatively, where multiplehubs 304 are associated with body 302 and recoil mechanism 310 islocated primarily in the interior of body 302, recoil mechanism 310 maybe adapted to simultaneously bias valves 334 located in piggy back hubs304 b and side-line hubs 304 c in addition to main hub 304 a.

Dead-Space Plug

Referring now to FIGS. 17A-17G in the drawings, various embodiments ofbody system 300 according to the present invention are illustrated. Inthese embodiments, a dead-space plug 390 is incorporated into bodysystem 300 to reduce the overall unoccupied internal volume of body 302.This unoccupied internal volume is referred to herein as “dead space.”By reducing the dead space, the flow rate of fluids through body system300 can be increased and the likelihood of formation of blood clots canbe reduced. Dead-space plug 390 may be integral with valve 334, or maybe a separate structure disposed within body 302. Dead-space plug 390may be hollow or solid. Like valve 334 and plug 308, dead-space plug 390includes at least one through hole sized and located along axis ofneedle 264. The elastic properties of dead-space plug 390 cause a fluidtight seal to be formed regardless of whether needle 204 is inserted. Aplurality of optional body support members 392 protruding from theinterior wall of body 302 keep dead-space plug 390 properly positionedwithin body 302.

As shown in FIG. 17A, body system 300 comprises valve 334 with anintegral dead-space plug 390. The elastic properties of dead-space plug390 allow dead-space plug 390 to function as recoil mechanism 310. Inoperation, as valve 334 is displaced proximally, dead-space plug 390 iscompressed. When dead-space plug is compressed, fluid can be exchangedbetween a needleless device and the interior of body 302. Dead-spaceplug 390 is configured to allow fluid to flow around dead space plug390. More specifically, fluid preferably flows between the exterior wallof dead-space plug 390 and the interior wall of body 302. As the forceacting on exterior face 338 is removed, the elastic properties ofdead-space plug 390 cause dead-space plug 390 to expand, thereby forcingvalve 334 into the resting position. Dead-space plug 390 may optionallyinclude one or more fluid reservoirs 352. Fluid reservoirs 352 arelocated along axis of needle 264 and serve substantially the samepurpose in dead-space plug 390 as it would if incorporated into valves334 or plugs 308.

As shown in FIG. 17B, body system 300 comprises valve 334, recoil lining374, annular ridges 370, and a separate dead-space plug 390 thatfunctions as a recoil mechanism to positionally bias valve 334.Dead-space plug 390, recoil lining 374, and annular ridges 370, may allbe implemented to increase or decrease dead space, positionally biasvalve 334, and prevent fluid leakage. The unoccupied volume of body 302between dead-space plug 390 and valve 334 is typically filled with fluidwhen drawing or administering fluid with a needleless device.

As shown in FIG. 17C, body system 300 comprises valve 334, recoil lining374, and a separate dead-space plug 390 that functions as a recoilmechanism to positionally bias valve 334. Dead-space plug 390 includes acone-shaped external indentation 394 located at the distal end of deadspace plug 390. External indentation 394 provides adequate unoccupiedvolume within body 302 into and from which, fluids may be pushed orwithdrawn. The depth of external indentation 394 is preferably sized andshaped to accept a needle or blunt when the needle or blunt iscompletely advanced through the plug 308 to maximum depth. In operation,once external indentation 394 has been filled with fluid, subsequentinsertion of fluid into external indentation 394 will push fluid arounddead space plug 390 towards the catheter tip.

As shown in FIGS. 17D and 17E, external indentation 394 mayalternatively be oval-shaped and span the entire width of dead spaceplug 390. In this configuration, external indentation 394 provides alarge open channel that facilitates fluid flow from side to side of body302.

As shown in FIGS. 17F and 17G, dead space plug 390 may include aninternal void 396. Internal void 396 is preferably located in along axisof needle 264. Internal void 396 preferably includes side channels 398for connecting internal void 396 to the space between the external wallof dead space plug 390 and the internal wall of body 302. In operation,a needle 204 or blunt is inserted through a hole in valve 334 and intointernal void 396. This configuration allows fluids to be pushed into orextracted from internal void 396 by the inserted needle 204 or blunt.Furthermore, once internal void 396 has been filled with fluid,subsequent insertion of fluid into internal void 396 will push fluidthrough side channels 398 and around dead space plug 390 or through ahole through the center of dead space plug 390 along axis of needle 264.

Locking Mechanisms

In some instances, it may be desirable to prevent displacement of valve334 so as to prevent fluid transfer through fluid channels 336. Lockingmechanism 312 is optionally incorporated into body system 300 to fix theposition of valve 334 with respect to hub 304. Referring now to FIGS.18A-22F in the drawings, various embodiments of locking mechanism 312are illustrated.

As shown in FIGS. 18A-18E, locking mechanism 312 comprises a bearinglocking mechanism 312 a. Bearing locking mechanism 312 a includes anouter lock body 402, an inner rod 404, ball bearings 260, and a recoilspring 354 shaped and sized for use in bearing locking mechanism 312 a.Outer lock body 402 is preferably substantially cylindrically shaped andhas a hollow center along its length and a hollow tip 406. Inner rod 404is moveably housed within the hollow center and comprises a button end408 and a bifurcated end 410. Button end 408 extends out of outerlocking body 402 and radially away from hub 304. Bifurcated end 410extends into hollow tip 406 and comprises legs 412 or a substantiallyconical structure. Ball bearings 260 and a recoil spring 354 are alsolocated within hollow tip 406. The walls of hollow tip 406 have holesallowing ball bearings 260 to extend through the holes and into bearingdetents 414. Hub 304 and valve 334 each have a hole for receivingbearing locking mechanism 312 a. Recoil spring 354 serves to pressagainst legs 412 which in turn contact ball bearings 260. Hence, ballbearings 260 are positionally biased such that they tend to displaceoutwardly from hollow tip 406 through the holes in hollow tip 406 andrest in bearing detents 414. When there is no contact between legs 412and ball bearings 260, ball bearings 260 are free to displace frombearing detents 414 and into hollow tip 406.

In operation, bearing locking mechanism 312 a is in an “unlocked”position where ball bearings 260 are resting in the bearing detents 414of hub 304. To move bearing locking mechanism 312 a into a “locked”position, the user must first press button end 408 toward hub 304.Pressing button end 408 forces legs 412 against recoil spring 354,resulting in a spreading of legs 412. As legs 412 spread, legs 412disengage from contacting ball bearings 260 and allow ball bearings 260to dislodge from bearing detents 414. As ball bearings 260 enter hollowtip 406, bearing locking mechanism 312 a may be moved toward the centerof hub 304. Once bearing locking mechanism 312 a is fully inserted intovalve 334, ball bearings 260 enter the resting position within thebearing detents 414 of valve 334. Similarly, to move bearing lockingmechanism 312 a to the unlocked position, button end 408 is againpressed toward the center of hub 304 causing ball bearings 260 todislodge from bearing detents 414 and allowing extraction of outer lockbody 402 from valve 334.

The operational positions of bearing locking mechanism 312 a are shownin FIGS. 18C-18E. In FIG. 18C, bearing locking mechanism 312 a is shownin the locked position in which valve 334 is prevented from displacingproximally. In FIG. 18D, bearing locking mechanism 312 a is shown in theunlocked position in which valve 334 is allowed to be displacedproximally. In FIG. 18E, bearing locking mechanism 312 a is shown in theunlocked position with valve 334 being displaced proximally.

As shown in FIGS. 19A-19C, locking mechanism 312 comprises a peg lockingmechanism 312 b having a peg 416. Peg 416 is substantially cylindricallyshaped and comprises a peg handle 418 and an expanded tip 420. Hub 304and valve 334 each have a hole for receiving peg locking mechanism 312b. Hub 304 and valve 334 each have tip detents 422 for receivingexpanded tip 420. In operation, peg locking mechanism 312 b is in an“unlocked” position when expanded tip 420 is resting in the tip detents422 of hub 304. To move peg locking mechanism 312 b into a “locked”position in which valve 334 cannot be displaced proximally, the usersimply displaces peg 416 toward the center of hub 304. Once peg lockingmechanism 312 b is fully inserted, expanded tip 420 enters the tipdetents 422 of valve 334 and prevents valve 334 from displacingproximally. FIGS. 19A and 19B show peg locking mechanism 312 b in thelocked position, and FIG. 19C shows peg locking mechanism 312 b in theunlocked position.

As shown in FIGS. 20A-20C, locking mechanism 312 comprises a leverlocking mechanism 312 c having a pin 424, a handle 426, and a bar 428.Handle 426 and bar 428 are both rigidly connected to pin 424. Pin 424 ispivotally connected the wall of hub 304 such that handle 426 and bar 428rotate about pin 424. Handle 426 is located outside of hub 304, and bar428 is located within hub 304 so as to engage a notch 430 in valve 334.Shown FIG. 20A, in a “locked” position, bar 428 is oriented within notch430 so as to prevent proximal displacement of valve 334. Shown FIG. 20B,in an “unlocked” position, bar 428 is oriented so as to allow selectedproximal displacement of valve 334. Shown FIG. 20C, when lockingmechanism 312 c is in the unlocked position, valve 334 may be proximallydisplaced, thereby allowing fluid to flow though hub 304 via fluidchannels 336.

As shown in FIGS. 21A-21C, locking mechanism 312 comprises a cliplocking mechanism 312 d having a flexible arch 432, an arch handle 434,a plurality of arch teeth 436, and a plurality of tooth detents 438.Flexible arch 432 preferably wraps circumferentially halfway around hub304. Arch handle 434 is attached to flexible arch 432 substantiallycentered along the overall length of flexible arch 432. Arch teeth 436are connected to the ends of flexible arch 432 and, as assembled,protrude radially inward toward axis of needle 264. Tooth detents 438are located near the proximal end of valve 334 and are shaped andlocated such that when arch teeth 436 are inserted into tooth detents438, valve 334 is prevented from displacing proximally. In operation, toremove clip locking mechanism 312 d and allow valve 334 to displaceproximally, the user depresses arch handle 434 toward hub 304.Depressing arch handle 434 toward hub 304 removes arch teeth 436 fromtooth detents 438, thereby allowing valve 334 to be proximallydisplaced. In FIGS. 21A and 21B, clip locking mechanism 312 d is shownin a “locked” position in which valve 334 is prevented from beingdisplaced proximally. In FIG. 21C, locking mechanism 312 d is shown inan “unlocked” position in which valve 334 may be displaced proximally.

As shown in FIGS. 22A-22F, locking mechanism 312 comprises aneedleless-device-activated locking mechanism 312 e that serves as ameans for selectively allowing valve 334 to displace proximally onlywhen a needleless device is properly connected to hub 304.Needleless-device-activated locking mechanism 312 e includes a lever 440and a cage 442. Lever 440 is preferably located within hub 304 along thelength of hub 304. The distal end of lever 440 preferably protrudes ashort distance from the distal end of hub 304. The proximal end of leveris preferably operably connected to cage 442. Cage 442 preferablycomprises two cage arms 444 and a set of cage hinges 446. Cage arms 444are preferably connected to cage hinges 446.

In operation, needleless-device-activated locking mechanism 312 eremains in a “locked” position in which cage 442 prevents valve 334 fromdisplacing proximally, until a needleless device depresses lever 440proximally. When a needleless device depresses lever 440 proximally,lever 440 actuates cage hinges 446 which, in turn, spread cage arms 444to an “unlocked” position in which valve 334 is allowed to be displacedproximally. FIGS. 22A-22C show cage 442 in the locked position, andFIGS. 22D-22F show cage 442 in the unlocked position. It should beappreciated that while needleless-device-activated locking mechanism 312e has been described above with specificity, many other means forselectively allowing valve 334 to displace proximally only when aneedleless device is properly connected to hub 304 are possible.

Flash Chambers

Referring now again to FIGS. 10A-10D in the drawings, flash chamber 102will now be discussed. Flash chamber 102 is a chamber or body into whichblood or fluid will first flow upon administration of IV 100. In thepreferred embodiment of the present invention, the interior of body 302serves as flash chamber 102, and a flash window 314 is incorporated intobody 302 so that the introduction of fluid into flash chamber 102 may bereadily visible. Further, body 302 may be shaped or molded specificallyto induce initial blood flow into the body 302 to the area directlyvisible though flash window 314. Because body 302 is preferably anopaque member, flash window 314 is preferably a clear or polishedportion of body 302. This configuration allows the medical caregiver toquickly and easily visually monitor flash chamber 102 without divertingher attention from the administration of IV 100. Flash window 314 ispreferably located on body 302 such that visibility of flash chamber 102is maximized. For example, flash window 314 included in standard body302 a or bulb body 302 b is preferably located near distal end of body302. Although flash window 314 may be located anywhere along thecircumference of body 302, it will be appreciated that flash window 314may be aligned with needle 204 so as to which side of needle 204 isbeveled. Thus, flash window 314 may be used to align needle 204 forproper insertion into the patient. For example, flash window may bearrow shaped, or may be shaped in the form of graphical characters orletters, such as “TOP.”

Where body 302 has at least one flat face 318, placement of flash window314 is more critical. For example, where body 302 is a single taperedbody 302 c, flash window 314 should be located substantially 180° aboutthe projected circumference of body 302 from the center of flat face318. Specifically, flash window 314 is preferably located near thedistal end of body 302 and centered along the rounded portion of body302. Similarly, where body 302 is a dual tapered body 302 d, flashwindow 314 is preferably located near the distal end of body 302 andsubstantially centered between the lengthwise edges of one flat face318. Each of these preferred locations orients flash window 314 forconvenient viewing of flash chamber 102 through flash window 314 while aflat face 318 is abutted to the patient's skin.

It should be appreciated that to enable viewing of flash chamber 102within body 302 a, some components of recoil mechanisms 310 may beconstructed of a clear or translucent materials. For example, resilientrings 356 of stacked ring recoil mechanism 310 b would preferably beconstructed of a clear or translucent material.

Needles

Referring now to FIGS. 23A-23F in the drawings, several embodiments ofneedle 204 are illustrated. Needle 204 is configured to allow blood orother fluids to flow into flash chamber 102 upon insertion into thepatients blood vessel. Specifically, a flash hole 448 is placed alongthe shaft of needle 204 such that flash hole 448 opens into body 302. Inthe preferred embodiment, flash hole 448 is aligned with flash window314, such that the earliest issue of blood or fluid from flash hole 448may be easily seen by the medical caregiver through flash window 314.Further, flash hole 448 is preferably shaped and located such that bloodis shot from the flash hole 448 toward the flash window 314. Bydirecting the path of blood significantly toward flash window 314,visibility of blood within body 302 is achieved earlier than if bloodwere to otherwise need to fill body 302 before significantly reachingthe area within body 302 which flash window 314 allows visualinspection. A flowhole 449 may be incorporated to enhance blood flowdown needle and out flash hole 448.

Needle 204 is also configured to conserve the elastic properties ofplugs 308 and valves 334. Needles 204 preferably comprise a flat portion450, a transitional portion 452, and a full diameter portion 454. Flatportion 450 and full diameter portion 454 are each connected totransitional portion 452. Flat portion 450 is preferably much thinnerthan full diameter portion 454. Before needle 204 is retracted intohousing 202, flat portion 450 extends from housing 202 fully throughplug 308 or valve 334 and into body 302. As needle 204 is progressivelyretracted into housing 202, transitional portion 452 enters plug 308 orvalve 334, followed by full diameter portion 454.

During retraction of needle 204, transitional portion 452 and plug 308or valve 334 interface each other and transfer forces that maypotentially tend to deform or break needle 204. Consequently, the designof transitional portion 452 is preferably a slow tapered transitionalportion 452 a that gradually increased the diameter of needle 204 fromflat portion 450 to full diameter portion 454. Slow tapered transitionalportion 452 a is illustrated in FIGS. 23A and 23D.

Transitional portion 452 may include a fast tapered transitional portion432 b, as shown in FIGS. 23B and 23E. Fast tapered transitional portion452 b increases the diameter in a manner similar to slow taperedtransitional portion 452 a, but more quickly increasing the diameter ofneedle 204, resulting in a blunter transition.

Transitional portion 452 may also be an offset transitional portion 452c. Offset transitional portion 452 c connects flat portion 450 and fulldiameter portion 454, such that the centers of the cross-sectional areasof flat portion 450 and full diameter portion 454 are not aligned, butare substantially offset. Offset transitional portion 452 c isillustrated in FIGS. 23C and 23F.

Catheter

Referring now to FIGS. 24A and 24B in the drawings, two embodiments ofcatheter 104 are illustrated. Catheter 104 preferably includes a meansfor accommodating flexure, such as a flexible portion 106. Flexibleportion 106 is preferably located near the distal end of catheter 104,and includes one or more accordion-type ridges 108 that allowmanipulation and bending of catheter at flexible portion 106 withoutsignificant resistance. Flexible portion 106 also serves to reduce thelikelihood that catheter is kinked or otherwise impinged due to bendingof catheter 104. It should be appreciated that flexible portion 106 mayalternatively be formed by other geometric features incorporated intocatheter 104. For example, a reduced cross-sectional area of catheter104, or a reduced wall thickness, may provide the desired flexibility.Further, because turbulence of blood flowing through catheter 104 isundesirable, it is preferred that flexible portion 106 include a smoothinterior wall 110 to reduce turbulence. FIG. 24B illustrates theincorporation of smooth wall 110.

Complete IV Systems

It should be appreciated that many of the features above may be combinedto create a myriad of embodiments of IV 100. FIGS. 25-34 illustrate tensample embodiments of the present invention that exemplify theinterchangeable nature of many of the features of IV 100.

Referring now to FIG. 25 in the drawings, one configuration of IV 100according to the present invention is illustrated. In thisconfiguration, double barreled housing 202 a, female coupling 206 a,bulb body 302 b, main hub 304 a, stacked ring recoil mechanism 310 b,and flash window 314 have been combined.

Referring now to FIG. 26 in the drawings, another configuration of IV100 according to the present invention is illustrated. In thisconfiguration, a bayonet housing 202 d, threaded female feature 206 b,dual tapered body 302 d, and main hub 304 a, winged locking mechanism208 b, spring recoil mechanism 310 a, and flash window 314 have beencombined.

Referring now to FIG. 27 in the drawings, another configuration of IV100 according to the present invention is illustrated. In thisconfiguration modified syringe housing 202 c, male feature 206 c, dualtapered body 302 d, main hub 304 a, angled tooth recoil mechanism 310 i,and flash window 314 have been combined.

Referring now to FIG. 28 in the drawings, another configuration of IV100 according to the present invention is illustrated. In thisconfiguration, bayonet housing 202 d, threaded female feature 206 b,dual tapered body 302 d, main hub 304 a, bearing locking mechanism 208a, staggered arch recoil mechanism 310 l, and flash window 314 have beencombined.

Referring now to FIG. 29 in the drawings, another configuration of IV100 according to the present invention is illustrated. In thisconfiguration, double barreled housing 202 a, female coupling 206 a,single tapered body 302 c, main hub 304 a, arch recoil mechanism 310 c,flash window 314, and adhesive feature 324 have been combined.

Referring now to FIG. 30 in the drawings, another configuration of IV100 according to the present invention is illustrated. In thisconfiguration, double barreled housing 202 a, fully needle dependentfeature 206 d, standard body 302 a, main hub 304 a, and flash window 314have been combined.

Referring now to FIG. 31 in the drawings, another configuration of IV100 according to the present invention is illustrated. In thisconfiguration, double barreled housing 202 a, female coupling 206 a,bulb body 302 b, main hub 304 a, stacked ring recoil mechanism 310 b,piggy back hub 304 b, and flash window 314 have been combined.

Referring now to FIG. 32 in the drawings, another configuration of IV100 according to the present invention is illustrated. In thisconfiguration, double barreled housing 202 a, female coupling 206 a,bulb body 302 b, main hub 304 a, arch recoil mechanism 310 c, flashwindow 314, side-line hub 304 c, and a set of side-line keepers 456 havebeen combined. Side-line keepers 456 preferably protrude from housing202 and extend lengthwise along housing 202. Side-line keepers 456 aresized and located such that flexible tube 320 may be optionally retainedbetween two side-line keepers 456.

Referring now to FIG. 33 in the drawings, another configuration of IV100 according to the present invention is illustrated. In thisconfiguration, double barreled housing 202 a, female coupling 206 a,bulb body 302 b, main hub 304 a, arch recoil mechanism 310 c, flashwindow 314, two side-line hubs 304 c, and two sets of side-line keepers456 have been combined.

Referring now to FIG. 34 in the drawings, another configuration of IV100 according to the present invention is illustrated. In thisconfiguration, modified syringe housing 202 c, threaded female feature206 b, bulb body 302 b, main hub 304 a, stacked ring recoil mechanism310 b, flash window 314, and two piggy back hubs 304 b have beencombined.

Thus, it should be readily apparent that by combining different housings202, docking features 206, anti-shearing mechanisms 208, bodies 302,hubs 304, recoil mechanisms 310, and other optional features, a widevariety of unique IV systems may be configured, each with certainadvantages and benefits, all being capable of connection to needledsyringes, blunts, and needleless syringes.

While this invention has been described with reference to illustrativeembodiments, these descriptions are not intended to be construed in alimiting sense. Various modifications and other embodiments of theinvention will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon referenceto the description.

1. An intravenous catheter system, comprising: a body having an internal volume, a proximal end, and a distal end; a catheter in fluid communication with the proximal end of the body; a retractable needle system releasably connected to the body, the retractable needle system having a housing, an intravenous needle, and a means for selectively retracting the needle into the housing, the needle being operable between an extended position in which the needle extends through the catheter, and a retracted position in which the needle is within the housing; an axially movable valve forming a fluid tight seal between the needle and the internal volume when the retractable needle system is connected to the body, and forming a fluid tight seal between the internal volume and the exterior of the body when the retractable needle system is disconnected from the body, the valve being axially movable relative to the body; a threaded fastener disposed on the distal end of the body, such that a luer-lock device may be directly connected to the body; wherein the valve moves between a first position in which the valve is substantially flush with the distal end of the body, and a second position in which the valve is entirely disposed within the body; a recoil mechanism disposed within the internal volume and in direct contact with an interior face of the valve; a translucent flash window integral with the body for allowing visual inspection of the internal volume; and a flash hole extending from an inner channel of the intravenous needle to the exterior of the intravenous needle, the flash hole being aligned with the flash window such that the earliest issue of blood or fluid passing through the inner channel of the intravenous needle may be seen through the flash window.
 2. The intravenous catheter system according to claim 1, wherein the valve is adapted to provide a fluid tight seal between the internal volume and the exterior of the body during repeated uses of needles, blunts, and needleless devices with the body after the retractable needle system has been disconnected from the body, the distal end of the body being configured to directly receive the needles, blunts, and needleless devices.
 3. The intravenous catheter system according to claim 1, further comprising: a means for restricting the intravenous needle from displacing in the direction of the extended position after the intravenous needle has been displaced toward the retracted position, the means being operable prior to retraction of the intravenous needle from the catheter.
 4. The intravenous catheter system according to claim 1, further comprising: a dead space plug disposed within the internal volume for reducing fluid storage capacity of the volume.
 5. The intravenous catheter system according to claim 1, wherein the intravenous needle includes a hollow full diameter portion at one end for allowing fluid flow and a flat portion at the opposite end, such that the flat portion generates less compressive force on the valve than the other portions of the intravenous needle while the intravenous needle is in the extended position, the flat portion being in contact with the valve while the intravenous needle is in the extended position. 